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United States Patent | 5,676,356 |
Ekonen ,   et al. | October 14, 1997 |
A flexible bolster for installation between two load-carrying members in a vehicle suspension. The bolster comprises a block of rubber or rubber-like elastomer sandwiched between two end plates. The block of rubber preferably has molded thereon a plurality of metal washers or plates oriented parallel to each other and the end plates. A bore extends axially through the end plates and block of rubber. A rebound control restraint is disposed in the bore. The restraint comprise a length of cable having retainers swaged to its opposite ends. Each retainer has an enlarged part or assembly which bears against the outer side of one of the end plates. The restraint acts to limit the extent to which the end plates separate when the bolster is under tension and thereby controls rebound. The restraint is free so as not to absorb compression or shear forces applied to the bolster.
Inventors: | Ekonen; Martin A. (Gaylord, MI); Lie; Tjong T. (Naperville, IL); McLaughlin; Ronald J. (Maumee, OH); Vanbreemen; Charles A. (Glen Ellyn, IL) |
Assignee: | The Boler Company (Itasca, IL) |
Appl. No.: | 657633 |
Filed: | May 30, 1996 |
Current U.S. Class: | 267/294; 248/634; 267/6; 267/141.1; 280/124.177; 411/383; 411/392 |
Intern'l Class: | B60G 011/22; F16F 001/40 |
Field of Search: | 267/6,33,140,140.2,40.3,140.4,141.1,141.2,153,292-294,148 248/580,619,621,634 280/716 52/167.7,167.9 411/392,383 |
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